Thursday, August 17, 2017

Cajsa's Choices: The Incredible Comic Strip Second Life of RoxiRock

Cajsa Lilliehook covers the best in virtual world screenshot art and digital painting

I confess I am a fairly pedestrian SL Flickr photographer. Perhaps that explains why I admire so many other SL photographers and artists. I am drawn to those who do something different, whose work is far fresher than mine will ever be.

That is why I was drawn to RoxiRock’s photosteam. She is an SL photographer/blogger who presents her work as simple graphic story strips with a bit of story about her Second Life. I have to stop and enlarge her photos, eager to see what is new even though she is not telling a continuing story or trying to be comical. She is giving us slices of SL life and they are sometimes wry, sometimes a bit sentimental, but always they give me the sense of a generous soul sharing authentic experiences.

RoxiRock in real life is a forty-something Southern woman with four children and four grandchildren. While her life is joyful and full, she enjoys the aspirational fantasies of Second Life. She explains, “I am truly blessed in both worlds and love my life. I have met a lot of great people in Second Life and hold them dear also in my real life.”

More of the works and worlds of RoxiRock below:

What inspired you to go in the comic strip direction?

I have always loved comics. My brother pretty much raised me babysitting and such so he introduced me to comic books and various other media and movie styles. He was a huge influence on my life.

What has been the response to your unique style of blogging?

There have been mixed opinions. Many love my style, but I have also had sponsors and others say it is a layout style and not good for a blog. I was even ejected at one point by a couple of Flickr groups because of my style. Despite these walls I have stayed true to my vision and artistic expression.

Have you considered doing a serial, actually telling a story?

Yes this is now in the works. It will be something different than the blog as far as story goes but the same style is going to be used.

What's your process in creating your storyboards?

It is really quite simple. I go with what I feel in the moment or I will have a concept grab my attention and I will plan it out searching for the right sim or situation to do my photo shoot.

Who are your favorite SL photographers/bloggers?

This is very hard to pin down as there are so many great artists, photographers, and bloggers out there. A few of my favorites are Duchess Flux and Sorcha Irelund. It really is hard though to pick just a couple. Every day I am amazed by the photos I see.

What led you to start blogging?

I love fashion, and blogging. To capture a feeling or an idea through a photo or a series of photos is just such a rush for me. To share a feeling with a mass of people is just a great natural high for me.

What's your advice to folks who are interesting in creating their own blog/their own style of photos?

Go for it! Let your imagination soar and find what makes you happy through your style of expression. I would also like to say always stay true to yourself in your work even when it seems hopeless.

What brought you to Second Life? What keeps you in Second Life?

I love the adventure, I love the building, I love the music, and I love the possibilities that Second Life brings to the table. It is always constant and improving as people explore what the developers give us to work with.

How has SL changed your first life?

Well SL has affected my real life in many ways over the years both good and bad. Yet, as in RL you just have to keep moving forward and developing as a person. It has taught me that dreams are attainable in Second Life that can impact your real life.

Cajsa Lilliehook joined Second Life in 2007 and has been enjoying the art of SL ever since. Disliking the common practice of critiquing poor photos, she decided to highlight good ones and explain why they work in hopes of inspiring with praise instead of criticism. Follow Cajsa on Flickr, on Twitter or on her blog.